Chapter 1
Riley Matthews entered the ballroom with Maya and Josh Matthews, hanging back just a bit as her uncle and "aunt" (Riley could only force herself to call Maya her aunt in front of their kids, despite 6 years of marriage) strolled in and looked for the registration table. She was a bit nervous but trying not to show it. It was her 10 year high school reunion, and there were a lot of people present that she hadn't seen in 10 years. Not that she was disappointed in her life or anything, she had a job she loved and she knew she looked good, she had finally gained some grace so she didn't have to worry about tripping or walking like a baby gazelle in her 2 inch heels. Her dark purple dress fit perfectly as well, hugging her curves without showing too much leg or cleavage, and her curly brown hair and understated make-up made her look exactly what she was, a beautiful 28 year old woman.
"Riles honey over here" Maya gestured for Riley to join her at the registration table. They signed in and received their name badges, then spent some time looking over the badges that hadn't been picked up. "I don't see Darby's but I'm pretty sure she RSVP'd no" Maya commented, "she's living in Miami now and like 8 months pregnant." "Yeah I saw on Facebook" Riley responded, "even with the weird height difference I kind of always thought she would wind up with Yogi, but her husband does seem nice, at least from the comments and photos, crazy girl eloped in the Bahamas so I never met the guy." "Me neither" Maya added. Maya continued to look over the badges "Smackle and Farkle are definitely going to be here, but it looks like they haven't arrived yet." Her eyes twinkled as they rested on another name "Riley it looks like Ranger Rick's coming home as well."
Riley rolled her eyes at her best friend. "His home is in Oklahoma and has been for 10 years, you know that Maya, but yes, it would be nice to see Lucas again." Riley pounced on another name "looks like they'll be a Texas turned Oklahoma boy here for you too, Zay is coming". Maya blushed a little, Zay had had a crush on her in high school, but nothing ever happened. Josh knew it, but she still didn't want him to be jealous. Without commenting on Riley observation, Josh leaned down and kissed his wife, just so she knew he was ok. Riley smiled at the two, it was obvious how much they loved each other. "Come on you two" she piped in "we look weird just hanging at the registration table, let's go mingle or get something to drink."
Josh and Maya were dancing and Riley was trying desperately not to look awkward when Zay and Lucas arrived. Zay had a gorgeous woman on his arm that looked vaguely familiar, light brown skin and hair and a dark green dress. Riley gulped as Lucas came closer, he looked better and sexier than ever in black slacks and sports coat over a V-neck shirt, the light stubble on his face accentuating his strong chin and piercing green eyes. Maya and Josh must have seen them coming, since they left the dance floor and headed towards Riley as well. "Riley sugar you look stunning" Zay said as he reached her first and enveloped her in a hug. "You remember my wife Vanessa?" "Vanessa!" Maya squealed as she arrived to the group. "This isn't the same Vanessa we met in Texas is it? I'm Maya, I think you might know me as honey nugget." "Oh yeah" Vanessa acknowledged, comprehension on her face. "Your Zay's friend that was trying to make me jealous." Maya looked a little guilty, so Vanessa reassured her quietly "thank you". Maya smiled broadly, thrilled that Zay and Vanessa seemed so happy "this is my husband Josh, Zay and Lucas already know him". Lucas perked up a bit and reached out to shake Josh's hand "so I guess the long game worked then?" he asked. "Definitely" Josh responded, "we're playing the family game now" he added squeezing Maya from behind.
"Maya are you pregnant?!" Zay gushed. "No" Maya reassured him quickly "Abby and Alex are enough for now." She pulled out her phone to show the group pictures of a blond-haired boy and girl. "Abby's four and Alex is two". "Good for you Maya" Lucas added seriously before turning to Riley. "What about you Riley, where's your date?" Riley gulped and started to answer when she saw Farkle and Isadora walking up. "Farkle, Smackle, over here" she called, grateful for the interruption. "Aw, you two stayed together too" Zay crooned after hugs and introductions were exchanged. "Actually no" Farkle spoke up, "we're just good friends, we figured out in college that was best for us." "Yes" Isadora continued, "Farkle's in Boston and I'm in Paris, but we still talk all the time."
Not put off by the new arrivals, Lucas focused his attention back on Riley. "So Riley, where's your date". It wasn't just a simple request for information, Riley had always been beautiful, now she had added a maturity and grace that made her simply stunning, there was no way she could be single. "No date right now" Riley finally answered. "I travel all the time so it's impossible to really have a relationship". Maya rolled her eyes a bit, she was frustrated that Riley was alone as well. Lucas was stunned. "How is that possible" he said, his voice barely above a whisper and his eyes staring intently. Riley was contemplating how to answer when a gorgeous blond in a short revealing red dress and heavy makeup came up behind Lucas and put her hand protectively on his shoulder. "There you are Lucas, how could you not wait for me, I said I'd only be a minute, just needed to get rid of that disgusting cab smell. I expected New York to be much more glamorous, right." She nodded at the group expecting them to agree, but everyone (except Zay, who looked frustrated) stared back at her in confusion.
Lucas cleared his throat and announced to the group in a slightly annoyed voice, "Everyone, this is Amanda. My wife.".
Kind of a slow beginning I know, I needed to re-introduce everyone and set the stage for their lives now. I hope Josh and Maya are adorable enough for you Joshaya lovers!